Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,305
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente stands as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless sound. Revered as one of the rarest acoustic models ever produced by Epiphone, this guitar is a faithful recreation of a legendary instrument cherished by country icons like Loretta Lynn. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid ovangkol back and sides, the Excellente offers a robust, balanced tone that is both vibrant and nuanced, catering to a wide array of musical styles.
The guitar's 5-piece maple/walnut neck with a comfortable C profile ensures playability for musicians of all levels, while the ebony fingerboard adorned with historic mother-of-pearl Block Cloud inlay adds a touch of elegance. Equipped with the Fishman Sonitone electronics, the Masterbilt Excellente seamlessly transitions from unplugged intimacy to stage-ready amplification, offering easy access to volume and tone controls right from the soundhole.
Whether you're a singer-songwriter or a seasoned performer, this guitar's vintage-inspired aesthetic, complemented by gold Kluson Waffleback tuners and a bone nut and saddle, makes it a standout choice for those seeking both style and substance. The large dreadnought body provides powerful projection, making it perfect for both intricate fingerpicking and dynamic strumming.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top; solid ovangkol back and sides
- 5-piece maple/walnut neck with C profile
- Ebony fingerboard with Block Cloud inlays
- 25.315-inch scale length; 20 frets
- Fishman Sonitone pickup system
- Gold Kluson Waffleback tuners with metal buttons
Product specs
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Square Shoulder Dreadnought |
| Back & Sides Wood | Solid Ovangkol |
| Top Wood | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Binding | Ivory/Black 6-ply top, 4-ply back |
| Neck Wood | Maple/Walnut |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Excellente Block Clouds |
| Number of Frets | 20, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 25.315" |
| Nut Width | 1.68" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Bone/Bone |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Tuning Machines | Gold Kluson Waffleback Vintage Tuners with Metal buttons |
| Electronics | Fishman Sonitone |
| Strings | Gibson, .012-.053 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente?
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The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid ovangkol back and sides, contributing to its rich and resonant sound.
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Does the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente come with built-in electronics?
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Yes, the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente is equipped with a Fishman Sonitone preamp and Sonicore piezo pickup, making it suitable for both acoustic and amplified performances.
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Is the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente's 12" radius ebony fingerboard and medium jumbo frets provide a comfortable and responsive playing experience, making it well-suited for fingerstyle techniques.
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How does the neck of the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente feel?
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The guitar features a C-shaped maple neck with a walnut center stripe, offering a smooth and comfortable grip ideal for various playing styles.
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What is the nut width of the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente, and how does it affect playability?
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The nut width is 1.68", providing a balance between string spacing and playability, which is comfortable for both chord strumming and intricate fingerpicking.
Videos
Guitar Bonedo
Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente - Sound Demo (no talking)
Reviews
PROS
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Beautiful mother of pearl and ebony fretboard enhance its aesthetic appeal
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Solid wood construction offers robust sound quality
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Offers clean bass and crisp highs for a balanced sound
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Excellent playability with low action and no buzz
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Comparable in quality to high-end models like Martin or Gibson
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Warm, dynamic sound with good projection and sustain
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Distinctive, elegant design with unique sound qualities
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Ebony fretboard enhances sound, feel, and looks
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Great value for money, offering high-end features at an affordable price
CONS
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Some models have poor assembly, leading to string buzzing
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Heavy and relatively quiet, lacking open clarity and sparkle
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Thick, unattractive artwork on the pickguard
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Cosmetic issues such as finish defects and uneven fretwork
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Pickup system may need replacement for better performance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente.
Build quality
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The guitar is described as heavy, requiring a delicate touch due to its big, fat frets.
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Despite its substantial weight, the guitar's sound is perceived as superior, potentially linked to its robust build.
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It's noted that Masterbilt guitars have all solid wood construction, similar to the "Inspired by Gibson" series, which ensures a high-quality build.
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Comparisons
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It's compared favorably to high-end models like the Martin D-28, with some users stating it rivals guitars priced between $3,000-$5,000.
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The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente is said to produce a classic Hummingbird tone with a bold, polished sound and slightly scooped midrange, unlike Martin's smaller, humble midrange.
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The Masterbilt EF 500 RA is noted for its dynamic, loud sound with more middle tones, suitable for fingerpicking, contrasting with the bright tone of the Epiphone J200 "Inspired by Gibson" better for strumming.
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Some owners claim the Epiphone Masterbilt and "Inspired by Gibson" models rival the sound quality of specific Gibson and Martin guitars, sometimes surpassing them in tone.
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Value and pricing
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Some consider it expensive for an Epiphone, but it's noted as a high-quality alternative to more costly Gibson or Martin models.
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User experience
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Despite its weight, the guitar is praised for its sound quality, standing up to several high-end models in terms of performance.
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A new owner was surprised by the guitar's crisp sound and outstanding appearance, expressing concern over tight fitting in a standard Epiphone dreadnought hard case.
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Owners highlight that Masterbilts typically have a 25.5" scale length, differentiating it from the "Inspired by Gibson" models which use the classic Gibson 24.75" scale.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for those seeking a unique aesthetic without compromising on sound, even if they can't afford a high-end Gibson or Martin.
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The guitar records easily with minimal processing and has been tested only with a mic, not amplified, suggesting it excels in studio settings.
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The Masterbilt is preferred for fingerpicking due to its dynamic sound, whereas the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" is favored for strumming.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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